Are there any friendly AOSers around your area who can help you listen to a few different alternatives? I was never a fan of many Ruark speakers (too tight a*sed for my tastes), but some of them respond well to some welly up their backsides. In the meantime, can you get a listen to some different valvey amps between a grand or two? My experiences are strictly limited, but the Icon Stereo 40 and 60 sound very good indeed I thought, and a worthy alternative to the ubiquitous Crofty ones I feel.

As for used amps, I haven't a clue, but the lovely peeps here often come up with something you could try I'm sure